The Government of the Philippines donated One Hundred Thousand Dollars (USD 100,000) to the Government of Sri Lanka to rebuild the infrastructures affected by cyclone “Roanu” which caused heavy damage in May 2016. The donation was handed over by Hon. Enrique Manalo, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Philippines (Minister), on 05 April 2017 to Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Mrs. Aruni Ranaraja, at a special ceremony held at the Department of Foreign Affairs of Philippines Manila.

Receiving the donation, Ambassador Ranaraja expressed gratitude for the gesture of support and solidarity of the Government of the Philippines towards the people of Sri Lanka at a time of special need. Further, Ambassador conveyed that the Government of Sri Lanka is planning to utilize the present donation in establishing a community drinking water scheme including a water purification unit to service some of the most needy areas in the Aranayaka Division such as Kalugala, Wasanthagama and Habalallawa settlement schemes. The community water supply scheme will cater to more than 150 families in the resettled areas.

Tropical storm “Roanu” hit Sri Lanka on 15 May 2016 causing widespread flooding and landslides in 22 out of 25 districts in the country. At least 52 people died and 99 were reported missing. The floods, reportedly the worst in 25 years, destroyed a large number of houses and important infrastructure.